P. 7
The Debate Over Genetically Modified Foods
Genetically modified foods are known to have benefits as well as disadvantages. The knowledge of the long term effects of genetically modified crops is little. The creation of these crops is risky to the environment and its inhabitants. Usually the genes inserted into the original crops are not closely related to the crop. Once the genetically modified version of the crop is spread into the environment, other plants and crops around it may obtain the genetically modified gene over time. If a harmful plant obtains the modified gene, it would become harder to get rid of. Another problem with genetically modified crops is that it is harmful to the animals that feed off of the crop. The new genes, such as a built-in pesticide, may poison and kill the animals feeding off of it. A study in the US shows that 44% of caterpillars of monarch butterflies died after feeding on pollen from genetically modified corn. Not only are genetically modified foods a risk to the environmant and animals, but they are a risk to humans as well. Some genetically modified products, such as animal feed, has snuck its way into our food. This has happened before in the US, traces of a StarLink crop that was genetically modified and is restricted to be used only in animal feed, was found in taco shells. Genetically modified foods carry potentially harmful toxins and could trigger new allergies, and possibly new diseases will develop in the future due to the use of virus and bacteria DNA in some of these modified crops.
Although they may be beneficial in some ways, genetically modified foods are dangerous. They pose as a threat to the environment, animals, and humans. The short term effects of some of the genetically modified crops are already bad, and they will just get worse in the future.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
Food quality is improved because there is less fungal infection, insect damage and residual pesticide. In conclusion to the topic of Genetically Modified Organisms, there is still much to learn, more to research and more to understand. There will be two sides to what is happening how it is affecting and who it is affecting. Scientist will need to do more research to learn the positives and negatives of this process and why do we need to do this. Who will benefit from doing this?…
- 8881 Words
- 29 Pages
Powerful Essays -
The risks to our health and exposed for using genetically modified crops or plants have not been yet proven because we are too early in the game of this genetically modification and engineering process. Thinking that this is a small solution to our problem for hunger and feeding Americans, then maybe they are just creating more problems that may not have solutions for in the future. However, the US National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine, states otherwise. In a new report that details how genetically modified organisms are apparently safe for human consumption and surprisingly, also have significant benefits for human health and the environment(FDA.org). They base their findings on an intensive and detailed report with past studies about GMOs. The many interviews with scientists, researchers and field experts that have data stating that they are not bad for one’s health. This helps determine whether it is good or bad for the health when it comes to eating genetical modified foods. They even have a new study that suggests that when crops are being engineered to improve human health, by altered to produce more vitamins or nutrients. This might be one good side of it, but why should we playing with mother nature? This is a big gamble we are…
- 1357 Words
- 6 Pages
Better Essays -
One of the main reasons that GMOs are so dangerous to us is that most of us aren’t fully educated on the subject. The growth and development of this technology has been so rapid and the concept is still so new to us, that we aren’t fully aware of what its long term side-effects and consequences may be. The resulting GM foods have undergone little or no long-term safety testing. The authorities are so blinded by the millions of profits that they have neglected all the risks associated with it. Nowadays, almost everything we buy at local grocery stores are somehow related to GMOs. I.e. fruits and vegetables such as banana, apples, papaya, (for longer shelf life and “presumably” greater potential yield**) etc; they’re found in soy products and corn (presumably better protection again pests); and the most devious of them all, they’re sometimes even found in dairy products as they’re often hidden in animal feed –…
- 1324 Words
- 6 Pages
Good Essays -
The producers of the GM foods, like Monsanto Company, think people should popularize the GM foods, because they are the solution of global hunger. However, some scientists claim that GM foods are dangerous and we should be careful about them. In my view, GM foods have the unpredictable hazard to environment and human health. We should listen…
- 776 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Have you ever took a moment and just considered what you’re consuming on a daily basis? How all those delicious foods could secretly be leading to your own demise? Genetically Modified Organisms are by definition “the result of genes from the DNA of one species, extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal”(Institute for Responsible Technology.). If you really think about it, almost every food we consume in this day and age has some sort of GMO in it.…
- 342 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Genetic modified foods can be very beneficial to farmers who have loss crops from pests and insects that eat them. Originally farmers used chemical pesticide annually to kill pests however; they found that consumers would not eat the food as it was a health hazard. Also it had harmed the environment as the pesticide would poison the water supply. By having genetically modifying crops food can be protected from insects and pests. Bacillus thuringiensis(BT) Corn is an example of a genetically modified crop, which contains delta endotoxins and when insects are exposed to this the toxins will paralyse the insect’s digestive system and kill it. Hence GM foods can be very beneficial as the production of agriculture will be less damaged.…
- 852 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
How would you feel if I told you that the food you're eating was made in a science lab? Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are the outcome of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially manipulated into the genes of an uncorrelated plant or animal. Crops are often genetically modified to be resistant to pesticides so farmers would be able to spray them without harming the crop itself. However, there are many consequences regarding consumers’ health and environmental problems. Many people question the safety of consuming genetically modified organisms. Companies should acknowledge that their product is genetically modified by placing a label on the product because customers have a right to know. Furthermore, there are several serious health complications that may rise to the consumer. And finally, genetically modifying organisms should be limited by being placed in a controlled environment to prevent contamination with other species because it can be harmful to the environment in several ways.…
- 941 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Whitman, Deborah B.. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?." . N.p., 1 Apr. 2000. Web. 11 May…
- 832 Words
- 4 Pages
Better Essays -
October 7,1949 was a very normal day, until the body of Edgar Allan Poe was found (outside of a local bar), the mystery begins with his symptoms when he was found, and the fact that nobody knows how these came about, the symptoms inevitably lead to his death. Throughout the years there have been many theories, the alcohol theory or the rabies theory, but the theory most believable is the cooping theory. Although there are many "gaps" in the Cooping theory (as there are in all of the other theories), it has the most evidence concerning a conclusion about how Edgar Allan Poe died.…
- 104 Words
- 1 Page
Good Essays -
Genetically modified organisms have been a controversial subject since their discovery throughout the world. While arguments are made that some of these organisms can benefit people, most of these unnatural organisms contaminate the environment. Many say that not enough research has been done to know what these organisms are capable of doing to the environment and the health of the population. Genetically modified food should be researched thoroughly to assure the public that these crops are either safe or harmful to the environment or to themselves.…
- 569 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Many people are against Genetically modified foods because of the unknown long term effects and environmental effects. There were concerns about how GMO’s can affect other animals. “ GMOs may be toxic to non-target organisms, bees and butterflies being the most talked-about examples currently. Bees are hugely important in the pollination of many food crops.” (Emily Glass) If this true, this can be the biggest reason why GMO’s should be banned. Another reason how it could affect the environment is by making it a monoculture in our ecosystem. “When GM crops are planted, generally in a monocrop fashion, many heritage seeds are no longer used. The nature of GMOs means fewer weed flowers and, therefore, less nectar for pollinators. “ (Emily Glass.) Having a monoculture can result in quicker spread of diseases and can cause an economic disaster. They’re many possible consequences of genetically modifying foods but most of the possible consequences are predictions or theories.…
- 1365 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Genetically modified foods are becoming more and more used in our community. But, they are not as safe as people presume them to be. Genetically modified foods can cause a big problem in the world, even if it can produce large quantities of foods, it is found that it can cause an allergy to certain foods, many scientists had voted to ban…
- 660 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
In past years, genetically modified organisms also known as GMOs have replaced our diets with genetically altered foods, which have adversely affected the health of humans and local communities. GMOs are organisms that have been created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE) (EFSA). GMOs have been around for many years; it wasn’t until just recently that most people have become more and more concerned about them. Consuming these genetically altered and processed foods can lead to increased risk…
- 729 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Dr. Keith Kantor says, “there have been isolated cases of animals dying after eating genetically modified foods...I have found several patients that improved when all GMOs were eliminated from their diet.” This shows how genetically modified organisms are in fact not making people's health improve, but instead decline. One can conclude that there has not been enough testing around whether or not GMOs are safe. In my personal opinion, I think it is obvious that genetically modified organisms are not stable and ready to be given to the public in large batches until there has been long term…
- 614 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Studies have linked GMOs to a variety of health issues and diseases such as autism, gluten disorders, cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and allergies (Katiraee.) This is especially the case for young, growing children because their bodies are still developing. For example, I met a friend a year and a half ago who has developed an allergy to GMOs. This causes problems for her because most foods produced in this country contain GMOs. Genetically modified organisms are thought to be dangerous in some countries, and several European countries have outlawed them altogether. While genetically modified organisms present an extensive list of health issues, humans are not the only group affected. Genetically modified crops not only affect human health, but they also affect the…
- 1375 Words
- 6 Pages
Powerful Essays